Long-term Volleyball Goals (That Make You a Real Pro)
As you continue to grow and develop in your volleyball journey, it’s essential to set long-term goals that will help you become a better player in the long run. These goals are not just about improving your skills but also about developing your character, discipline, and understanding of the game. Let’s dive into these goals and explore how you can achieve them.
Long term volleyball goals include getting pro in a specific position, joining a permanent volleyball team, impressing others with strong leadership qualities, becoming a versatile player, participating and joining major tournaments, making it into a regional or national team, opening your own club, among other things.
What Are the Long-Term Volleyball Goals?
Let’s look at the major long term volleyball goals that you can set to advance in your career.
Getting professional in one volleyball position
We all fancy one volleyball position we want to play on. In any volleyball match, we have a special focus on that position. Any move they make, any tactic they employ, we try to mimic them. This is your favorite volleyball position.
Growing up, being an outside hitter was a special position for me. While this position can vary from person to person, you must set your goal to become proficient at that specific position in the long run.
And the key here is simple.
Immerse yourself in the position that you want to excel in.
Live the volleyball position you like the most. Think about it all the time. Hit the gym to practice on a regular basis, and you will be good to go in the long run.
Becoming a Regular Part of the Volleyball Club Team
Becoming a part of a regular team should be at the top of the bucket list for every volleyball player in the long run.
I have seen players who, despite being avid volleyball players, do not join a regular team for one reason or another. Eventually, they are posting online every season that they are finding a team.
If you want to play volleyball in the long run, your top priority is to find a team you can rely on. There are numerous benefits to joining a permanent team.
Over time, you’ll develop a deeper understanding of the game, improve your skills, and build a network of fellow players who can support and challenge you.
You get a sense of belonging and association.
On top of everything, you have a team that stands by you in every thick and thin of the volleyball journey.
Start by joining a local volleyball club and commit to attending practices and games regularly. Show initiative, be open to feedback, and always strive to improve.
Developing a Strong Leadership Role within the Team
Once you are a member of a volleyball team, it’s time to lead from the front.
Leadership is not just about being the team captain; it’s about inspiring, motivating, and guiding your teammates.
Developing leadership skills will help you become a more effective player and team member. It will also open up opportunities for you to lead in other areas of your life.
In order to develop these leadership skills, start by being a good listener and communicator. Show empathy towards your teammates and be willing to help them improve. Over time, your teammates will start to look up to you as a leader.
Remember, if you want to be a good leader and a team player, there is another long-term goal that you have to focus on, and that brings us to the next point.
Becoming a Versatile Player
The ability to play in different positions is a valuable asset in volleyball. All-round players are the true champions of the court.
While you focus on improving more specific skills in the short term, becoming a versatile player who can play at any position on the court is the way to go in the long run. It makes you a more adaptable player and increases your chances of being on the court.
Being a versatile player will make you more valuable to your team and allow you to understand the game from different perspectives.
To become a versatile player, start by learning the basics of all positions. Then, practice playing in different positions during training and games. Over time, you’ll become comfortable playing anywhere on the court.
And the good news is that you will be able to achieve another long-term goal if you become a versatile player, i.e.
Consistently Participating in Competitive Tournaments
Participating in competitive tournaments exposes you to different playing styles and strategies, helping you grow as a player.
Regular participation in tournaments will enhance your game under pressure, improve your decision-making skills, and give you valuable experience that can’t be gained in practice alone.
Start by identifying local and regional tournaments that you can participate in. Prepare for these tournaments by training regularly and studying your opponents.
If you are achieving the previous two goals, i.e., joining a regular volleyball team and becoming a versatile player, you will easily be able to take part in multiple competitive tournaments.
Winning a Major Tournament
Playing in a major tournament should not be the only priority. In fact, winning the tournament should be the ultimate long-term goal. Just imagine how will a trophy that you always longed for looks in your trophy cabinet. This should be your motivation for winning the major volleyball tournament.
While the ultimate goal is to win a lot of tournaments, start by setting the goal of winning your first-ever competition.
Winning a major tournament is a testament to your skills, teamwork, and determination. It’s a significant achievement that can boost your confidence and reputation.
This accomplishment can open doors to more competitive leagues and tournaments. It also serves as a milestone that can motivate you to aim higher in your volleyball career.
To win a major tournament, you need to consistently train, strategize, and work as a team. Analyze your opponents, focus on your strengths, and work on your weaknesses. Remember, it’s not just about winning; it’s about learning and growing along the way.
Making it into the National Level Squad
This is the ultimate glory. To play in the national squad and to bring your country home from the difficult situations of the volleyball game.
But let’s be honest. It takes a whole lot of dedication and courage to get to this level.
However, if you stick around (and get your act together), miracles will start to happen.
Being selected for the national squad is a recognition of your skills and dedication to the sport.
Playing at the national level will expose you to high-level competition, allowing you to grow as a player. It’s also a stepping stone to international competitions and professional leagues.
To achieve this goal, you need to consistently perform at your best in all games and tournaments. Stay disciplined, maintain your fitness, and keep improving your skills. Networking with coaches and players can also open opportunities.
Be a Volleyball Coach
Becoming a coach allows you to share your knowledge and passion for volleyball with others.
As a coach, you can influence the next generation of players and contribute to the growth of the sport. It’s also a rewarding career that allows you to stay involved in volleyball.
Start by gaining a deep understanding of the game and developing your communication and leadership skills. You can then obtain a coaching certification and start gaining experience by coaching at schools, clubs, or community centers.
Becoming a Volleyball Manager
As a manager, you’ll be responsible for the administrative and strategic aspects of a volleyball team. A volleyball manager is responsible for a lot of things on and off the court. Many times these things even go unnoticed, but these people really make a big difference.
This role can give you a broader perspective of the sport and allow you to contribute to a team’s success off the court.
To become a volleyball manager, you need to understand the sport and its administrative side. Gain experience by volunteering or interning with a volleyball team or organization. You can also consider studying sports management.
Opening Your Own Volleyball Club
This is what volleyball players having a business mentality do. Equipped with all the knowledge of the game, they open their own club, where they train people and players to take the club to success.
But remember, making your own volleyball club team is a tricky task. You need to follow the right strategy to make things happen.
Opening a volleyball club allows you to create a platform for players to learn, grow, and enjoy the sport.
As a club owner, you can influence the local volleyball scene and contribute to the sport’s development in your community.
To open a volleyball club, start by understanding the local volleyball scene and the needs of players in your community. Develop a business plan, secure funding, and find a suitable location. You’ll also need to recruit coaches and players and promote your club.
Final Words
In order to accomplish long-term volleyball goals, you must work on short-term goals first. And if you are just starting out, the key is to start with beginner-friendly warm-up drills and slowly move to fun volleyball practices before going on full throttle.
Ahmed is the founder of Ball and Net Sports, a platform where he writes about volleyball.
As a professional volleyball player who has participated in various national and international level volleyball competitions, he loves to teach other volleyball enthusiasts about the game.
He is now a professional volleyball coach who organizes volleyball camps and social events for talent hunting for top volleyball teams.
As a volleyball talent-hunting specialist, he loves to teach people how they can make their game better in the fast-paced volleyball environment where it is extremely difficult to get quality content free of cost.